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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > March > 16 > Entry
Big C scouting the Bengals: TE Scott Sicko worth a look
The H-Back position could see a rebirth in the NFL this season with a special group of prospects entering this year’s draft. At the top of my list are Pittsburgh tight end Dorin Dickerson, Kentucky fullback John Conner and little-known New Hampshire tight end Scott Sicko. Of the three, Sicko may be the best kept secret.
I learned recently that the Cincinnati Bengals will not only be looking at the tight end position in the upcoming draft, but H-backs as well.
For inquiring minds, H-back is not to be confused with the halfback position. H-back is a hybrid position, a cross between a tight end and fullback, and will line up in the backfield or on the line, or be sent in motion.
The Bengals re-signed tight end Daniel Coats who played an H-back role in the offense last season although his performance left much to be desired. The club is expected to bring in some new talent to create competition at the position. The Bengals are hoping to have a more explosive offense next season and the H-back could play a vital role.
I believe Dickerson, Conner and Sicko would all push for playing time as rookies. However, Sicko could likely be had with a late-round selection.
Like NFL scouts, I have to do my homework when evaluating prospects. I have to watch film, talk to players, coaches, trainers and scouts, etc. Admittedly, I knew nothing about Sicko until after I went through the process. I was impressed what I learned.
Sicko has flown under the radar playing in what was formerly known as Division I-AA but known now as the AFCA. Now he’s popping up on teams’ boards after an impressive performance at the school’s pro day last week.
The 6-foot-4, 251-pound Sicko ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash, did 22 reps of 225lbs on the bench press, posted a 35-inch vertical jump and 10.2 broad jump. Those numbers would have placed him in the Top 10 in all four events among tight ends participating at the Scouting Combine last month.
Sicko’s 40 time and broad jump would have put him second only to Dickerson, who was the top performing tight end in Indianapolis.
The New England Patriots were the only team that bothered to show up for the workout, but word travels quickly in the NFL. After receiving word of the tight end’s performance teams started calling to set up visits. Sicko is scheduled to meet with Jacksonville this week.
“I’ve talked to seven or eight teams about Scott since the season ended,” New Hampshire tight ends coach Brian Barbato said in a recent phone interview. “I’ve had considerable conversation with at least five individuals that were genuinely interested in Scott.”
Sicko is coming off a tremendous senior season where he was the Wildcats’ leading receiver with 57 catches for 725 yards and nine touchdown catches.
“We were lucky to have some very good tight ends and Scott is as multiple as we have ever had as far as things we asked him to do,” Barbato said. “His adaptability from the blocking game to pass catching has been a great weapon for what we like to do on offense.”
Barbato added that Sicko is one of the best people he has ever met and a very coach-able kid.
The skinny
Sicko is a blue-collar guy who is very versatile and the tendency for having big games. He shows good athleticism, soft hands and is aggressive at the point-of-attack. The tight end shows unbelievable speed and quickness in open space. He would definitely be a match-up problem for any linebacker trying to cover him, especially at H-back.
Sicko averaged 12.7 yards per reception and 55.8 yards per contest this past season.
Coming from a spread offense at New Hampshire, Sicko will have to put some time and effort into improving his blocking skills at the next level. He’s a fast learner in the film room and does a great job adjusting to defenses. Sicko is an unselfish player and his work ethic might be his greatest attribute.
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Comments
By Ace
March 16, 2010 8:03 AM | Link to this
Big C, you should be the scout for the Bengals. I’m sure you would do much better than Mikey boy. WDR!
By Becca
March 16, 2010 9:11 AM | Link to this
You rock Big C! Sicko could be a late round find like Bernard Scott.
By Gary
March 16, 2010 9:32 AM | Link to this
What about Coffman? Considering his pass catching abilities, and his performances at Missouri, he would be a natural H-back.
By TigerPaw
March 16, 2010 9:52 AM | Link to this
Coffman is a pass-catching tight end who needs to learn to be aggressive and block. He’s played wide receiver all his life even while at Missouri. I think asking him to line up at fullback would be a bit much. I’m not sure if he possesses that type of versatility.
By Andrew
March 16, 2010 10:10 AM | Link to this
The Bengals have enough sickos on their team
By RockyRocks
March 16, 2010 10:24 AM | Link to this
Calls are coming in for private workouts and face-to-face meetings. Apparently there are plenty of teams who are looking for a Sicko…..THIS ONE!!!
By MattM
March 16, 2010 12:07 PM | Link to this
Marvin/Mike: Just take the best players on the board in the first two rounds. Don’t waste a draft-pick on TE/S/H-B/FB/ early. They’re the pawns in chess. Stick with the studs (DE/CB) early. The Bengals draft has been one of the best in the league in last few years. We own the late rounds. Unfortunately, there’s always one reach somewhere.
By rob
March 16, 2010 12:33 PM | Link to this
It seems to me that TE is one of those positions that you can take a chance with by drafting a player out of a little school.
By A bball coach
March 16, 2010 1:23 PM | Link to this
I have said since last training camp that the Bengals already have an H-back on their roster. He’s got the size, speed and skills for this position; and perhaps most importantly, he has the correct attitude being a team guy. His name is Brian Leonard. How is the coaching staff not seeing this?
By mikey
March 16, 2010 3:20 PM | Link to this
ha ha ha lol lmao..he was in a michael moore movie…ha ha !
By RockyRocks
March 16, 2010 4:01 PM | Link to this
That’s the best you can do??? That would’ve been funny like a year ago, when the movie came out. Go back to sleep…..
By tigerstripe jim
March 16, 2010 8:36 PM | Link to this
The tight ends are never used as recievers anyway so just draft a good blocker.Coats couldnt catch a cold maybe thats why they never threw to him.
By tigerstripe jim
March 16, 2010 8:36 PM | Link to this
The tight ends are never used as recievers anyway so just draft a good blocker.Coats couldnt catch a cold maybe thats why they never threw to him.